Acute-phase serum amyloid A: An inflammatory adipokine and potential link between obesity and its metabolic complications
Author Information
Author(s): Yang Rong-Ze, Lee Mi-Jeong, Hu Hong, Pollin Toni I, Ryan Alice S, Nicklas Barbara J, Snitker Soren, Horenstein Richard B, Hull Kristen, Goldberg Nelson H, Goldberg Andrew P, Shuldiner Alan R, Fried Susan K, Gong Da-Wei
Primary Institution: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Adipose A-SAA may be a molecular link between obesity and its comorbidities in humans.
Conclusion
A-SAA is a proinflammatory and lipolytic adipokine in humans that may play a critical role in local and systemic inflammation and could be a direct link between obesity and its comorbidities.
Supporting Evidence
- A-SAA levels were significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI).
- Serum A-SAA levels decreased significantly after weight loss in obese participants.
- The magnitude of improvement in insulin sensitivity after weight loss was significantly correlated with decreases in serum A-SAA.
- A-SAA treatment increased the production of inflammatory cytokines in various cell types.
- Obese individuals had higher levels of A-SAA in their blood compared to lean individuals.
- Rosiglitazone treatment reduced serum A-SAA levels without significant weight loss.
- A-SAA was highly expressed in human adipocytes.
- Increased A-SAA secretion from adipose tissue in obesity is due to both increased fat mass and increased secretion per unit of adipose tissue.
Takeaway
A-SAA is a substance in fat cells that can cause inflammation and make it harder for the body to use insulin, which can lead to health problems like diabetes.
Methodology
The study measured A-SAA levels in obese and nonobese individuals, assessed the effects of weight loss and rosiglitazone treatment, and analyzed adipose tissue samples.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of participants and the observational nature of the study.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific populations studied, and further research is needed to establish causality.
Participant Demographics
The study included 134 nondiabetic individuals with a range of BMIs, including obese and nonobese participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.006
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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